North Carolina Governor Easley Signs Bill To Require Energy Conservation In State Buildings

By newsdesk - Posted on September 4th, 2007

New Law Requires Energy Efficient Materials And Technologies In New And Renovated Facilities

9/3/2007 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley recently signed into law Senate Bill 668: ''An act to promote the conservation of energy and water use in state, university, and community college buildings.'' This new law requires state, university and community college officials to include energy efficient materials and products in new buildings along with those that are renovated. The goal is to savings taxpayers’ money, improve conservation of natural resources and protect the environment.

''State government is a huge consumer of water and electricity and it needs to be in the forefront of using these resources efficiently,'' said Easley. ''This will not only significantly save taxpayer money in the long-run but provide opportunities for innovation by our state’s businesses so North Carolina facilities operate more efficiently.''

The new law sets efficiency standards for energy and water use in new building design and construction as well as for older buildings that are being renovated. The goal is to reduce energy use for all state buildings by 20 percent by 2010 and 30 percent by 2015. Energy conservation measures will include replacing older lighting systems with more energy-efficient light bulbs, reviewing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems for efficiency, greater use of ''Energy Star'' rated appliances and using more solar power to heat water.

The primary sponsor of the bill was state Sen. Janet Cowell (D, Wake) and, in the House of Representatives, Pricey Harrison (D, Guilford), Becky Carney (D, Mecklenburg), Alice Graham Underhill (D, Craven, Pamlico) and Charles Thomas (R-Buncombe).

Section One of this act becomes effective October 1, 2008. All other sections are effective immediately. The legislation passed the state House of Representatives 108-0 and passed the state Senate 38-4.

Source: North Carolina Governor

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